Page 69 of High Stakes

I sit quietly as he draws my blood, my heart pounding in my chest. This is it—the moment that will confirm what I already know. As he labels the vial and sets it aside, I fight to keep my emotions in check.

“I’ll put a rush on the blood work,” Dr. Stevens assures me. “We should have the results back within the next day or so. Meanwhile, try to rest and stay hydrated.”

I thank him, and leave the examination room, my mind racing. When I return to the waiting area, Rocco peers up, his expression curious but not overly concerned.

“All set?” he asks as I approach.

“Yes,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Dr. Stevens is running some tests. He’ll let Leone know if it’s anything serious.”

Rocco nods, satisfied with the answer. As we leave the clinic and head back to the car, I can’t help but feel the weight of everything. If the test confirms what I suspect, everything will change.

As the car rolls down the familiar streets, I move my hand instinctively to rest on my stomach. No matter what happens, I will protect this child. Even if it means walking a tightrope between two powerful men and the dangerous world they inhabit.

The next day,when Dr. Stevens calls with the results, I’m alone in my room. My hand trembles as I answer the phone, my heart racing.

“Fallon.” Dr. Stevens’ voice is calm but firm. “I’ve reviewed your blood work. Congratulations, you’re pregnant.”

The confirmation hits me like a wave, both terrifying and exhilarating.

“Have you told Leone yet?”

“I figured I would let you. I will give him a call tomorrow and check you have, but I figured I would give you a chance to,” he tells me, and I thank him, my voice barely above a whisper, before ending the call.

I am pregnant.

My hand shakes as I set the phone back in its cradle, the weight of Dr. Stevens’ words settling heavily in my chest. Pregnant. I’m pregnant. The reality of it still feels surreal, even though I’ve been suspecting it for weeks.

I press a hand to my belly, my fingers trembling as I try to process it. A part of me already knew, but hearing it confirmed feels different. It feels real. My chest tightens, my thoughts spiraling in every direction. This changes everything. I need to tell them, yet part of me worries how Milo will take the news, although I know that is me being irrational.

But either way Leone needs to know.

And I am not sure how long I can keep the news to myself and a phone call seems impersonal. I want to see how he’ll react, I can't see that over the phone. I need to know whether his dark world will make space for something as fragile and pure as this. But there’s no way to know until I tell him. And I want to tell him in person.

I get to my feet, moving quickly. Leone is at work with Milo, so I know where to find him. I just need to convince someone to drive me there. As I step into the main hall, I catch sight of Rocco standing by the window, his gaze distant.

“Rocco,” I call softly, and he turns, his broad shoulders stiffening like I’ve caught him off guard.

“Fallon,” he says, nodding in acknowledgment. His tone is clipped, as usual, but there’s no malice in it. I've noticed the coldness in him since Sienna was taken by her father, somethingwent on between them. It had to have, because he has been acting strange ever since.

“Can you take me to see Leone?” I ask. My voice is calm, but my hands are clasped in front of me, betraying my nerves.

He frowns slightly, his gaze narrowing as he studies me. “Why?”

“I need to talk to him,” I say.

“About?” he questions and I chew my lip.

“Dr. Stevens called,” I answer, avoiding the question. I’m not ready to tell anyone else yet.

“Just take her Rocco,” Maria chimes in making me jump. I hadn't even noticed she was in the room but as I turn to look at her, I see she has been dusting by the feather duster clasped in her hands.

“Go, I am sick of you moping around the house. You've been staring out that window for the past hour.” Rocco's brows furrow and he glances at his watch and sighs. “Fresh air will do you some good, go.” Maria tells him.

For a moment, Rocco hesitates, like he’s weighing the risks of taking me out of the house. Then he exhales sharply, jerking his head toward the door. “Fine, but I better not get in trouble for this. Leone has been more paranoid lately.” I nod.

“He won't be angry, I promise.”

Rocco presses his lips in a line. “Let’s go.”